(PCM) While the poor economy isn’t helping matters, there is never a bad time to save a little money on the monthly bills. Perhaps you think you’ve trimmed all the fat you possibly can off your budget, but sometimes we miss things—sometimes even obvious things—that can help. Below is a list of 10 tips to let you hold onto more cash and get the most out of the monthly budget.
1. Maximize Your Insurance
Homeowner, renter, car, motorcycle and even pet insurance are often offered by the same company, with discounts for loyal customers who choose to use one corporation for all assorted policies. Ask your agent how much money you’ll save if you choose their company for all of your insurance needs.
Also: Be sure to shop around while you’re at it—you don’t owe that company you’ve been with for years anything: they owe you the lowest price available. If they won’t match it, move on.
2. Consolidate Your Cable
Again, you can often save money by bundling television/cable services, Internet and phone with the same company. Research and find out which one offers the most for less and pull the trigger. You’ve got nothing to lose but over-priced cable bills.
You might also take a good, hard look at your channel choices to decide what you can live without, and skip the expensive movie channels if you find you never have time to watch them, or can find more affordable movie resources on the Internet.
3. Pack Your Lunch
This seems like common sense, but we all get lazy sometimes or forget to pack a lunch and end up spending money on restaurant food, which can really add up. If you find yourself pressed for time in the mornings, get into the habit of making your lunch the night before. Maybe even blend a healthy yogurt and berry smoothie for your breakfast while you’re at it so you can skip the costly drive-thru McJunkFood as well.
4. Make Grocery Cuts
Shop exclusively at discount grocery stores, bring other store ads in to price match items on sale elsewhere and don’t be afraid to try generic versions of name brand foods. Quite often, these products have identical ingredients and flavor, yet are much cheaper. You can also save money by buying frozen fruits and vegetables, which have been proven to be as nutritious as fresh.
Other simple shopping savers: plan weekly meals, make a list and stick to it, use coupons and don’t shop while hungry.
5. Ditch the Landline
Many people are getting rid of their landlines because they exclusively use cell phones. If the only people you ever talk to on your landline are telemarketers, you might consider this budget cut.
6. Be Assertive
If a company is raising your monthly bill, don’t be afraid to remind them you’ve been a loyal customer, or that the competition offers a lower rate. Quite often they will give you a discount or at least not raise your rates. It never hurts to ask, right?
7. Unplug Your Life
Unplug all electronics when not in use, and don’t leave your television running as “background noise” if you’re not actively engaged in what’s showing. Be mindful of the electricity you’re using by turning off lights and opening windows to take advantage of natural lighting whenever possible. If you can get the whole family onboard and consistently energy-conscious, you will notice a decrease in your electrical bills.
8. Buy Used
Craigslist, thrift stores, garage sales, eBay and local mom and pop antique or consignment stores have many treasures to offer at a fraction of the cost to buy them new.
9. Do Your Research
The Internet is a valuable resource, so don’t waste it. Price-check anything you’re thinking about buying, and don’t make impulsive purchases. If you see it in the store and want it, research to make sure you can’t find it for less.
10. Use Cash Whenever Possible
This helps you stay within a budget and makes you more aware of exactly how much you’re spending. Keep all credit cards at home in a safe place so they won’t be used impulsively.
In hard economic times like these, we can all use a little help stretching dollars and cutting financial corners wherever we can. Use these 10 tips to save money and create a little more wiggle room in your monthly budget.
Trevor Johnson is a professional blogger that enjoys discussing automotive topics. He writes for Cartimeauto.com, a used car dealership.
